Joel Osteen says Lakewood is evangelical, not political

Joel Osteen rarely talks politics, even when pushed during TV interviews to condemn gay marriage, get angry about sin or take a stand on current issues, he shows restraint and focuses on the positive.

Osteen’s preaching and writing instructs Christians to open themselves to trust in God and his blessings. From this perspective, politics can be more divisive than uplifting.

This weekend, I interviewed the ever-positive preacher about his upcoming book (look for a story in the Belief section in September) and was able to ask him a little about why Lakewood—the largest church in America—stays out of politics.

“We do pray for the president and for the leaders. I’m a big believer in prayer. I was up there with President Obama during his prayer breakfast,” said Osteen, who has hosted a number of politicians at Lakewood, including Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Osteen held a Night of Hope in Chicago on the same day that Perry hosted his prayer rally in Houston and had released a statement supporting the governors’ efforts to encourage Christians to turn to God during difficult political and economic times.

Osteen said though America includes people of different faiths, he does believe it is a Christian nation.

Unlike other megachurch pastors, Osteen does not address specific policy issues (abortion, prayer in schools, gay marriage, religious freedom, moral decline) or concern himself with politics in general. Lakewood even holds some hesitancy over evangelicals’ ties to the Religious Right.

“If it means you believe in the Bible and Jesus and the Trinity and living out your faith, we are evangelical,” said Osteen. “But we’re not big on labels” because they can have political ties too.

It’s not a deliberate effort to avoid the term “evangelical,” explained church spokesman Don Ilof, but Lakewood’s leaders remember when rising evangelicals had major political influence—like Rev. Jerry Falwell—and the current agenda of the Religious Right is not their focus.

91 Responses

Lakewood Church collects millions of dollars a year in the name of Jesus Christ. Someday, I would like to have the Church describe in detail what they have done to fulfill Christ’s Second Great Commandment, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

“No taxation without representation!” Ah, I heard that somewhere. If you tax the church they have the right to become directly involved in the political process through giving donations etc. Is that what you really want?

I believe in separation of church and state. Jesus said two important things. 1) “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matt. 22:21 2) “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36

Pay your taxes to the government and make your donations to the church. Keep the church out of the government and the government out of the church!

Faith should be more than a pep talk. God, being the loving father he is, will tell us when we are straying away from him, and give us a tug on the ear when we are being stubborn. What I have always noticed when I have watched for a while on the T.V. is that he hardly ever uses biblical verses connected to the theme of that particular sermon. In order to be a real life lesson , the sermon MUST be made relevent to the issue at hand. Evangelical he’s NOT. He sounds more like a motivational speaker hired be some company to give a PEP TALK.

People know they have sinned.. you don’t need to beat them over the head about it..People at Lakewood hate sin..They are looking for a way out of sin…and they find it faster than most… that is because they are focused on the deliver from sin.. Those who preach most about sin have a sin conscience ..and and as a result the sin is greater than they are..When you focus on the answer which is the Word of God, Jesus; when you are Jesus conscience then he becomes greater in your life than the problem of sin…..sadly those who continue to talk about sin never stop..because sin never stops…

But John says in I John chp 3, that whatsoever is born of God does not commit sin…

Now it is appearant that there a lot of congregations which would make John the beloved a Liar!!!! When Paul the apostle says in Philemon verse six that the communication of thy faith becomes effective by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you ….And all those good things are written in the bible.. But if you are around harranging everyone else about sin. sin sin. then you’re gonna see a lot more to that in you…for it is written judge not that you be not judged, (for with what judgment you judge you shall be judged)..

it’s amazing how os many can run around judging others and not expect ot be judged by the own judgment as JESUS says”

It is cvery easy for someone with millions in the bank to believe in the power of prayer, and to hold on until tomorrow. He can make sure the bills are still paid. The fact that He does not stand agaist anything, but says being tolerant is the right thing tells me he has no spine. The fact is He is a motavational speaker/ book writer and not a preacher. He taked one versus (and not always a whole one) and manupulates it around what He needs to say. He is a weasel and a whimp.

The best policy for Christians is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings; The bible says in Daniel 2:44 the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom,which shall never be destroyed: and it shall not be left to other people, …but that it shall stand forever….
with that being the case lets praise God and have a celebration of praise and worship….

Nebuchadnezzer Did!

I must say, the affore mentioned religious groups mentioned here created a great deal of strife in America. Which is division. Now we have hatreds …Lakewood Church has done well… they are are only hated by haters.. sad..:(

Joel, Please take a stand for Christ. As Christians, we are to be against abortion and against homosexuality and gay marriage. This does not mean we do not love those who have had abortions and those who are gay. We absolutely do love on them and show them Christ’s love. It is the old saying, “hate the sin, but love the sinner”. For once, please, take a stand and quit worrying about offending someone. And yes, America was founded on Christian principles.

Would you mind telling me where these things are actually said in the Bible? Or some other church writing? Jesus was pretty wishy washy on abortions and on gay people, so, I’m not really inclined to believe that’s what the whole thing is supposed to be about.

You do not speak for all Christians. Get your own house in order and quit hating “the others…” (Gays, abortion providers, etc.) “Followers of Christ” (especially those who loudly proclaim to “know” exactly what “God” intended…) are some of the most hate-filled and intolerant people I have ever met. “Christ” would be running faster than Usain Bolt to get away from his “followers.”

Jesus said nothing on gay marriage, but He had plenty to say about divorce. Why didn’t you mention divorce in your post? Why aren’t you more insistent that Christians oppose divorce, since Jesus was against it?

The Reverend is taking the correct position in regard to politics. I remember asking my father, a Presbyterian minister and life long Republican, why he didn’t speak about politics from the pulpit. He told me that it was not his place. He explained that his calling was to minister to the souls of his congregation. That was in 1968 during the long hot summer, he stuck to his mission and showed me how to be a man.

Johnh, I do not and have never attended a service at Lakewood and I do not always agree with how he preaches but I can say this. Joel does not take a salary from Lakewood as he makes money from book sales. So many people feel as if preachers should live like paupers. There have been too many preachers and shysters that have abused and lied about finances of a church that some people now stereotype all or many of the larger churche preachers in the same category as those that have betrayed our trust. I agree that Bently’s, if he owns them, gives an air of exclusiveness and does not set well with many. Joel has to deal with how appearances of extravagance can be a stumbling block to many regardless of the source of the funds. Churches I have attended provide financial reports to the congregation via printouts or on their website as to how much money is brought in and how it is spent. All churches should do so if they do not. Transparency removes questions of doubt concerning the finances of a church.

A religious person can have enough common sense to see that our current president is an incompetent disaster. The only people that can’t see it are angry, hate-filled socialists. Their ideology blinds them to simple facts.

I have often wondered how much church money is slipped into the republican coffers. Unlike unions whose books are constantly monitored by the Department of Labor, or corporations who now can now contribute all they want thanks to our conservative supreme court, who monitors the books of the church. Just wondering?

Well Jesus was political when he went against the sanhedrin. Osteen needs to lead by quoting the bible more instead of telling uplifting stories. Joel, its the word of God that changes people not your blabber.

Sin is NOT the issue in salvation. It’s “what think ye of Christ.” All sin of every person from Adam to the last human was imputed to Christ on the cross and judged. Nothing was left unpunished, “it is finished”. Man is in the position to be a recipient of a gift (salvation) offered in pure grace. Man can do nothing to earn or deserve this gift. It’s faith alone in Christ alone for salvation. No one’s sins were left out of the unlimited atonment of Christ but there will be some who choose to stand in their own righteousness thinking that they can be “good enough” to work for their salvation. How tragic and unnecessary.

and too much salt does what?
This is for sure Joel’s salt must be working on you..by just staying out of politics he’s got you riled all up…

Why don’t you take that salt to Pakistan, of India, or N. Korea….

All they while you are so bent out of shape over politics here in this country..the world of nations of all kinds are perishing…They’re not having abortions , but they are being aborted into eternity without Jesus according to you gospel….So git ! They need you and your salt!

When I say Lakewood Church I think Jesus; When I hear of people like you I think pharasees..

When I hear of others like you, I think also of their own discontent..I must ask you this question.. are you reviled for righteousness sake? are yo persecuted, and all manner of evil speaking of and falsely accused for Jesus sake?

Lakewood is Think about that…a bunch of empty accusations against a Church in Houston which has for the record done no wrong….

Boy, by the way so many like to attack this Church if something should happen to them….there’s going to be this refreshing ahh!! in so many people who hated the church….I wonder what Jesus thinks of that kind of people….Now you would never find that kind in the heart of Lakewood Church people….

Jonathan es de la Marque—-and you are judging me for posting my opinion. Did Joel not teach you about that? I will stick to my Christian church, where I help with Sunday school, that does not need to have bumper stickers or concert like services.
I won’t even dare tell you what religion I am, because God knows me and thats all you need to know.

I didn’t judge you , you judged yourself when you replied to my post..to defend what you do..sort of like “Lord I did this and I did that in your name” but Jesus said, “then will I profess to them that I never knew you”..

In all sincerity ask yourself , “will Jesus say that to me in the judgment?”

LIKE HIS FATHER, HE STAYS OUT OF POLITICS, BECAUSE POLITICS IN A HUGE CAPITALISTIC ENTERPRISE AS LAKEWOOD CHURCH, IS BAD FOR BUSINESS. HE’S A SMART COOKIE THAT KID JOEL, BUT THAT’S ALL HE IS. ANYONE SUGGESTING HE IS A METAPHOR TO GOD, THAT IS PURE CRAP. HE’S A SMART ENTREPRENEUR, THAT’S ALL.

Religion is a man-made social concept, based entirely on old-world political structures. Especially christianity. It all started in Rome, and was based on Roman concepts and power constructs. Reformation came after that, yes. But reforming an idea that is absolutely wrong-headed to begin with doesn’t fix it. It’s like painting a two-legged table. It might look better, but it still doesn’t get the job done. Modern christians tend to avoid or overlook their Catholic pedigree, but it’s all there as historical fact. Our founding fathers understood the dangers of organized religion very well. That’s why they avoided it at all costs.

You are wrong on a couple of your comments. Do a little more research and find out the truth instead of heresay.
Christianity started with the first person that accepted Christ as their Saviour and began trying to live a Christ-like life hence the meaning of Christian. This was not in Rome.
The dangers of religion that our founding fathers avoided was a government mandated state religion. This changed in European countries when rulers would change. Catholic to Anglican, back and forth. Most of the founding fathers were Christian or had some belief in God. This is all there in the writings and books of our founding fathers. Seek and ye shall find out you doth believe to much in what the God haters have to say about this subject.

He certainly believes in the mighty dollar. Why doesn’t he take the money he makes and give it to charity. He can live a modest life just like the rest of us. He doesn’t need all that opulence. I am certainly no wealthy person, but even I give to charity.

so interesting how all the negative comments are from people who have never even stepped foot into Lakewood or listened to more than one of Joel Osteen’s sermons. Get a life and be happy with your own church. You never hear anyone from Lakewood bad mouthing other pastors or other churches. Leave Lakewood alone if you don’t like it. And specifically STOP clicking on stories about Lakewood. That is the beauty of the internet, you can click on a link and the story comes up…..or not.

What I want to know is why MY tax dollars went to setting up a perfectly good sports/concert arena into a mega-church? If it is all about the religion and faith, Lakewood coould have done it all alone.

You made the point , most of the posters know little of Lakewood or have been inside any church on a regular basis.
They are just bashers & find it easy to be critical of just about anything.
Life has turned them bitter & their hope is based on self righteousness.

Joel was handpicked by his mother to take his father’s place. He is not educated in theology, but smiles alot and speaks ONLY of positive things. His wife on the other hand is going to be the downfall to him since she really only believes in herself and does not act like a helpmate to her husband. She actually had to get top billing on the billboard of the church sign. Joel needs to take a page from his father’s book and let the world know there are sinners and believers. Preach on the 10 commandments once in awhile and you might become more respected. He preaches “feel good” sermons that don’t do anything except let him straddle a fence and sell his books.

Do you mean that the people at Lakewood Church don’t even read their own bibles?
They just sit there and let Joel tell em what to think? They give him all their money? They must be just like them people in Guyana ! Now, I’ll believe all that when the get on the plane to go live in the jungle..

Off course he will not talk about big IT. He needs the money to pay for his family and the church. Once he start talking about IT-gay marriages, abortion, public prayer, moral decline and politics. 20percent of church members will walk out each topic he touches.So they will end up banckrupt.

so many here are posting about the money…most of those who critize ..have never been to Lakewood nor have met Joel. Money…is it about money?…Hmm have you guys wondered what the electric bill is for that place, takes quite a bit of money….and oh let’s talk about the water bill..that’s not a walk around the block either….staff…need to be paid…If people did not give to the church..who would pay the bills?..How many of you guys have paid 40.00 to go to a concert to see someone who could not care less about you? How many of you buy a case a beer every week…hmm that sounds like about 200. a month…but it’s a problem to give money to a church to keep the doors open?…at least he gives comfort to those who are herat broken…he’s trying to encourage the down trodden and we ALL NEED SOME encouragement and good news now…here’s the big question for you unbelievers…what if there really is a God…? I don’t doubt the existence…having almost lost my life…he ‘s there…make a change before it’s too late..

@ JACKIE……..”Hmm have you guys wondered what the electric bill is for that place, takes quite a bit of money….and oh let’s talk about the water bill..that’s not a walk around the block either….staff…need to be paid…If people did not give to the church..who would pay the bills?”
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Why do “they ” need such a large “church” to have to pay “large” bills….why do they “need ” a ” large ” staff?????….You are correct in saying …well then go to a church of your own choosing well i’m more than sure we are doing just that……it just seems like a “large” amount of money is given to these(olsteens words) “EVANGICALS”

note to the believer poster…i assume you must be one of the chosen…i picture u in a small church under the pastor who says ..that joel is wrong for the position…why are they prospering…and yr church is not…

Although I am of a more mainstream faith, I used to sometimes listen to Joel on TV as his sermons are PLEASANT. But then I saw Joel Osteen like a deer in the headlights the night Larry King had just asked him if he believed that JESUS CHRIST was the only way to Heaven. I am just a Layman but I KNWO the answer to that. ANy Bible based person does. I quit listening to Joel that evening as he is not delivering JESUS’ message at all…He is a good speaker and we already have one of those we are having to deal with. Don’t need another. :-})

“Osteen said though America includes people of different faiths, he does believe it is a Christian nation.”

Sorry, we’re not. The Treaty of Tripoli proves it: “”As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion…” It doesn’t get more clear than that, does it?

As for gay people not being “God’s best”, well, I could name quite a few straight people that aren’t God’s best, and it has nothing to do with their sexual orientation.

Joel is an entertainer. If he took a strong stand on anything it could hurt his business and his take. I do wish the state and federal governments would start taxing his and his church’s property and income. Lakewood is all about entertaining huge crouds, not about religion.

The God haters and church haters are typing up a storm on this thread. Its not surprising. They hate God because they hate themselves, but aren’t strong enough to admit it. Its a sad way to cope with weakness…..a downward spiral of hopelessness.

Any attempt to impose his religious garbage on any person not part of a cult IS political.

Attempting to influence laws or lawmakers on marriage or rights for gays who aren’t in his cult? Political.

Attempting to get people to vote for “propositions” or for certain lawmakers who oppose abortion? Political.

Speaking at events that favor or attack specific political candidates? Political.

People lie and spread propaganda all they like (in violation of their own ninth commandment against bearing false witness), but Osteen and other cultists like him want to use politica means to impose their “values” on non-cultists via the courts and laws.

The only people who have to obey a religion are those who belong to it. Anything else is political.

Jesus Christ devoted approximately 1/3 of his ministry to teachings about the devil and hell. When you only focus on “positive” you are misleading your listeners. Joel preaches a ‘gospel of prosperity’ which is not what the New Testament preaches, which is Salvation by Jesus Christ through grace. Joel tickles the ears of his people, which is the only reason they are there.

I don’t fault him for that, I only hope that some of the money he takes in finds its way to good causes. The few people I know who attend his church are very happy, nice, non-judgmental people who do not wear their religion on their sleeves and do not slap you in the face with it. They seem content with keeping their personal beliefs personal. They just seem content and happy.

To be honest, I prefer Olsteen over most other Christians as he is, generally, a very positive person and he isn’t out there trying to push himself and his beliefs on others. I like the fact that he uses Church for Church matters and doesn’t try to force himself and his views into politics. I am sure he has very real convictions and beliefs concerning these matters but I say good for him for having a little class and decorum and not trying to use his clout to force an agenda of the rest of us and not wanting to insult and cause conflict. The world is hard enough as it is without people making it harder. I think the size of his church and the satisfaction people who attend it seem to have with it says a lot about him and his way…

Lakewood is a business, not a church. There is no religious symbol there and neither Joel nor his princess wife have any education, specialized training or certification as preachers. They simply found a way to make millions tax free. Ain’t it great? And they have thousands of stupid followers who swallow the pablum they dish out. What a joke!

Lakewood is minute when it comes to churches who use the tax system. Think for a moment about the largest religeous advantage takers and realize that even they do a great service. The support of Lakewood and other Evangelical organizations do more good in backward poor and sick people of the world by far than what would happen if our overgrown government had the same generous givers . Think what would happen to Haiti and Africa and Central America and many others right here in our back yard IE Rescue Missions if our government took over. Corruption in Religions Pales as in contrast
Lakewood joins many of such good doers with generous donations, including those of Joel Osteen with our Legislators greed for Pork Projects so they can maintain large retirements by fooling the people. I say this sadly because I love this country and served where at the time there was much poverty and remember who along with me went to the orphanages took treat and washed the lice filled heads of the forgotten.
Be careful who you speak against lest something worse befallsyou.

I love Joel Osteen…. I get his daily readings emailed to me every morning, and there’s a bible quote and a message in every single one of them. When I read these, they help me more than anything else I can think of. They bring me so much closer to Jesus, and they always reflect how precious and how much I am treasured in God’s eyes. I respect him even more for the fact that he does not get into politics. It is a further testimony of his intelligence and his absolute love for Christ and all Christ’s teachings. The people and preachers in this world who condemn gay people and women who have abortions are very fearful people and have not fully experienced God’s true and unconditional love in their lives. My heart becomes sickened when I hear all these condemnations, especially political figures-that to me is one of the purest forms of “darkness,” and Jesus came to bring light. The same goes for people who are constantly suspicious and calling any church that happens to be large and successful a “cult.” Jesus is to be the one and only judge. People who insist on condemning other people really need to shift their focus back onto themselves in changing themselves into what Christ wants them to be in this life and not people who believe they have some right, authority or special power to tell the world what is wrong in other people’s lives… Since when did Jesus preach for us to be hateful and judgmental?